Duterte likens COVID-19 frontliners to Rizal

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday lauded COVID-19 frontliners in his Rizal Day message for this year and urged Filipinos to emulate the modern-day heroes’ love for the nation.

“Today, we see many ‘Rizals’ fighting for our people, this time against an unseen adversary – a pandemic. We have our brave frontliners who continue to serve the nation in their unique capacities, notwithstanding the risks to life and limb. In them, we see a new expression of heroism that is truly inspiring,” Duterte said.

“May we continue to celebrate Rizal and our modern-day heroes, to learn from their example and to express the love and respect of a grateful nation,” he added.

Duterte, who recently said he was limiting his engagements outside Malacañang because of the pandemic, did not attend rites in honor of national hero Jose Rizal this year. Last year, he led the 123rd death anniversary of Rizal in his hometown Davao City.

Duterte described Rizal as “a loving son, a good student, a dedicated physician, a passionate writer” and “a defender” of Filipinos’ right to self-determination.

Rizal had great aspirations for his motherland and had used the power of the pen to “convey sentiments against oppression and yearnings for emancipation,” the President added.

“To the extent that it ignited a stronger sense of nationalism and a revolution, he was successful. He was our hero,” Duterte said.

Rizal, whose writings had inspired Filipinos to resist Spain’s colonial rule, was executed by firing squad on Dec. 30, 1896 in Manila.

In a video message, Duterte urged Filipinos to work together to pursue meaningful change.

“The trials we continue to face this year have given rise to a new breed of heroes who have shown extraordinary courage in the face of unprecedented challenges. Inspired by the noble example of Rizal, our modern day heroes, let us rekindle in our hearts the strong sense of a nationhood that enabled our forebears to rise against tyranny and build society founded on the lessons taught by history,” the President said.

“As we remember Rizal’s sacrifice more than a century ago, let us continue working together fostering solidarity, integrity and patriotism among our people as we pursue real and meaningful change in our society,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo called on Filipinos to fight for the welfare and dignity of every Filipino as the nation marked the 124th death anniversary of the national hero.

“One hundred twenty four years ago today, Jose Rizal offered his life for the dignity of the Filipino people,” Robredo said in a statement.

She said Rizal thought less of himself and more about the many Filipinos who lived under the yoke of colonialism.

“As we commemorate Rizal Day, may we always strive to be worthy of our freedoms and realize that being free requires that we recognize the shared humanity in one another and fight for the welfare and dignity of every Filipino,” Robredo said.

In Rizal Park, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the wreath-laying yesterday.

National Historical Commission chairman Rene Escalante said the commemoration as the country reels from the pandemic should highlight the fact that Rizal was a physician.

Moreno said the youth should emulate Rizal’s example by complying with minimum health protocols. –  Helen Flores, Delon Porcalla, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Romina Cabrera